India has joined other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to deepen cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting the technology's strategic importance in transforming societies and economies. This commitment was made at the Tianjin Summit, where the SCO Council of Heads of States signed and adopted the Tianjin Declaration, outlining cooperation on AI among other areas.
The SCO member countries, including India, have agreed to work together to prevent risks and improve the security, accountability, reliability, transparency, inclusiveness, trustworthiness, and fairness of AI technologies. They have also advocated for implementing the Roadmap for the Implementation of the SCO Member States' Cooperation Programme on Artificial Intelligence Development.
The member states welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution on the role of AI in creating new opportunities for sustainable development in Central Asia, which notes the initiative to establish a Regional Artificial Intelligence Centre in Dushanbe. India emphasized that all countries have equal rights to develop and use artificial intelligence, as stated in the Tianjin Declaration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's approach to AI, focusing on enhancing human values and potential, and leveraging AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and governance. India has also launched the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative with Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in AI technologies, including large language models, data centers, and AI governance.
The collaboration between SCO member countries, including India, is expected to drive innovation and research in AI, while promoting responsible AI development and deployment. The AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February 2026 in India, will further discuss the potential of AI in transforming societies and economies. By working together, these countries can harness the power of AI to drive economic growth, improve living standards, and address societal challenges.
